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| Port Douglas at sunset |
Why you should go.
What makes it special
A beautiful hour or so drive from Cairns along a road
fringed by the coast on one side and forest on the other is Port Douglas. It is
where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Coral Sea making it the only place on
the planet where two World Heritage sites collide.
Port, as the locals call it, is a lovely upscale tourist
destination that attracts Australians as well as globe trotters. Life here
floats along at a sleepy pace. Many shops and restaurants close early. But,
Port has all the trappings of the 21st century -– minus high-rise
buildings – you need for a great holiday. This is an idyllic base from which to
explore the Great Barrier Reef as well as the rainforest.
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| Port Douglas, the town |
Port Douglas, the
town
The tree-lined Macrossan Street is the town’s main artery. It is awash with boutiques, shopping malls, bars, cafés and top-notch restaurants. You cannot really go wrong whichever you choose, especially if you like fish. It is a foodies’ paradise.
The tree-lined Macrossan Street is the town’s main artery. It is awash with boutiques, shopping malls, bars, cafés and top-notch restaurants. You cannot really go wrong whichever you choose, especially if you like fish. It is a foodies’ paradise.
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| A tropical heaven |
Beaches
Golden sands adorned with coconut palms and sparkling crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping at the edge, the Four Mile Beach is a tropical heaven. Take a walk to the northern end to discover rock pools. Like most beaches in Australia, it is patrolled so you can swim safety. Occasionally, water crocodiles can be spotted here so watch out.
Golden sands adorned with coconut palms and sparkling crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping at the edge, the Four Mile Beach is a tropical heaven. Take a walk to the northern end to discover rock pools. Like most beaches in Australia, it is patrolled so you can swim safety. Occasionally, water crocodiles can be spotted here so watch out.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
I flew with Qantas from Alice Springs to Port Douglas. For best rates visit qantas.com
Stay
You will find plenty of accommodation here ranging from budget to luxury. I stayed at the boutique Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Overlooking the Four Mile Beach it is the only hotel in town to have beach and ocean views. Hi Tide Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is an idyllic setting for dining. Another plus of the hotel is that it is only a couple of minutes’ stroll to the main street. Catering only for adults, it has bags of charm. The owners, Gavin & Kylie along with their team are warm and welcoming. It is easy to forget you are in a hotel. For more information and best rates peninsulahotel.com.au
You will find plenty of accommodation here ranging from budget to luxury. I stayed at the boutique Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Overlooking the Four Mile Beach it is the only hotel in town to have beach and ocean views. Hi Tide Cafe-Bar-Restaurant is an idyllic setting for dining. Another plus of the hotel is that it is only a couple of minutes’ stroll to the main street. Catering only for adults, it has bags of charm. The owners, Gavin & Kylie along with their team are warm and welcoming. It is easy to forget you are in a hotel. For more information and best rates peninsulahotel.com.au
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